Sisters of the Vast Black - Book Review

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SISTERS OF THE VAST BLACK

BY LINA RATHER 

 

In this debut science fiction novella, Lina Rather explores heady, thought-provoking themes of war, faith, and morality through the Order of Saint Rita nuns.

Forty years after a brutal Great War, the Earth Central Governance (ECG) cares little for the colonists living at the far reaches of space. While these colonists lack in support from the ECG, they are not alone in the galaxy. The women of the Order of Saint Rita, aboard their living spaceship, visit these colonies and offer aid, medicine, and religious blessings. They take this moral imperative to serve quite seriously, even when that means working against corruption within the Church itself. The nuns have secrets and desires of their own, which come to a head as they help struggling colonists on a forgotten moon.

For a novella, the world-building stands out as superb, if understated. This isn’t a universe populated by scores of alien species, just a lot of humans spread out across the stars, struggling to survive and move on after tragedy. The nuns are all unique, with individual voices, characters, and motivations. The characters have flaws and compelling backstories that make them feel authentic and realistic. Rather’s writing is lyrical and gorgeous, helping the reader to feel like they’re on the living ship alongside the nuns.

Rather’s novella is very much character- and issue-driven with the plot unfolding slowly in the background until it suddenly speeds to an explosive end. Deep and complex themes about war and faith are explored throughout the novella that challenge the reader to consider philosophical questions. Rather handles these dark and heady themes with expert ease.

Sisters of the Vast Black will appeal to science fiction readers who want a quick but thought-provoking read with complex themes hidden amongst a beautiful setting and strong characters.  

 

Pub Date: Oct. 29, 2019                          Page Count: 176    

ISBN: 978-1-250-26025-3                       Publisher: Tor.com

Categories: Science Fiction, Novella, LGBTQ, Space Opera

 

 

Comments

  1. Erin CataldiFebruary 16, 2023 at 8:28 AM

    I am fully intrigued by your review. Nuns in space?! Great summary and fantastic conclusion!

    ReplyDelete

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